Welcome to Dig Deeper, a content series allowing you to dive as deep as you like into topics that are underserved in the current media landscape but need and deserve more coverage and attention.
Its purpose is to shed light on important community-based issues facing minority groups. To start with, we’re having honest and open conversations around January 26, the national mood and changing the date.
January 26th is arguably the most contentious date in our national calendar. While it’s an excuse for getting on the beers and having a barbie for some, for many others it’s a time of reflection, mourning, and recognition of the continuing power of culture.
Conversations around what to do about ‘Australia Day’ have evolved dramatically over the past few years, spurred on not least of all by the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020 and the soul-searching this provoked in Australia.
Many non-Indigenous people continue to put in the work to broaden their understanding of the topic at hand. The best way of doing so is to actually listen to the First Nations people who are speaking on these issues. So, if you’re looking to fill your feed with some more inspirational Indigenous artists, activists, and educators, this is the place for you.
We’ve compiled 14 of our favourite Indigenous thought-leaders to help you learn your way through some of the challenges and conflicts that January 26th brings up and support Indigenous causes and people — not just on this date but the whole year round.
Give these guys a follow to sharpen up your media intake.
Clothing the Gaps
Part clothing store, part community programme supporting Aboriginal health, Clothing the Gaps is a one-stop shop for all things activism and allyship. Their Indigenous-owned and operated not-for-profit company funnels the proceeds from their high-quality clothing into Indigenous health campaigns. Not only are their designs eye-catching, but they also have a wealth of resources and information about Indigenous issues, wearing Indigenous clothing, and how to be the best ally possible.
Race Matters
Race Matters is a weekly show on Sydney’s greatest audible asset, FBI Radio. Hosts Sara Khan and Darren Lesaguis get into it on thorny topics from across the race spectrum and feature inspiring guest artists, musicians, and creatives. It’s a fiery, no holds barred discussion to get you amped for the revolution.
Catch them live on-air on Sundays at 10am or on their podcast whenever.
Amy McQuire
Amy is a freelance writer and journalist currently undertaking a PhD looking at media representations of violence against Indigenous women. A proud Darumbal and South Sea Islander woman from Rockhampton in Central Queensland, Amy runs a Substack newsletter where you can get her thoughts and ideas straight to your inbox.
If you want more from her, check out Curtain the Podcast in which she and co-host Martin Hodgson investigate Indigenous deaths in custody and at the hands of the patriarchy.
IndigenousX
IndigenousX is an Indigenous-owned and operated, independent media, consultancy, and training organisation founded by Gamilaraay man Luke Person. Their website features deep thought pieces on the hot topics of the day like “Do Monuments Hold Any Value?“. It’ll get you thinking for days on end.
Professor Marcia Langton
Famously not on social media, Professor Langton is arguably our nation’s fiercest and most formidably intelligent expert on Indigenous subjects. She is the author of a number of excellent books, including First Australians, It’s Our Country, and the infinitely useful Welcome to Country: A Travel Guide to Indigenous Australia which is now in its second edition. You can also find Professor Langton penning insightful essays, like her latest on the details of the Voice to Parliament reforms (which she actually helped to write), and verbally slapping down fools who cross her path in newsprint and TV appearances.
Thea Anamara Perkins
Grand Daughter of the late, great Indigenous activist Charlie Perkins, Thea is an artist focusing on family to beautifully capture quiet moments and memories. She was a finalist in the 2019 Archibald Prize and the recipient of The Alice Prize National Contemporary Art Award and the Dreaming Award for Emerging Art at the Australia Council First Nations Arts Awards. She also had a hand in restoring the 40,000 Years mural in Redfern.
Seed Mob
Seed Mob is an activist movement of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for campaigning for Climate Justice. You’ll find them at protests and community action gatherings as well as online bringing attention to climate injustice through the lens of Indigenous history and culture.
Luke Currie-Richardson
A seriously talented photographer, Luke Currie-Richardson takes passionate self-portraits and documents Indigenous resistance. Often his work is accompanied by heart-felt personal essays and reflections on the experiences of being Black in Australia. Well worth a follow.
Kooking With a Koori
Nathan Lyons is sharing super simple recipes for his mad feeds, offering tasty, budget-friendly eats with a side of humour and comedy. It’s highly relatable and easy to watch a dozen or so of his quick videos in a row. He also shouts out Indigenous creatives and artists and speaks up on important topics like men’s mental health.
Aretha Brown
One of those people who make you reflect on your own achievements in life, Aretha Brown is an activist and artist creating beautiful gem works and stark black-and-white cartoon-like pieces representing indigenous struggle. Oh, and she’s also the former Prime Minister of the National Indigenous Youth Parliament.
Australian Indigenous Fashion
A great spot to see some of the breadth of Indigenous fashion designers and creatives across the country. Recently reposting stunning work from individuals, they also host interviews and discussions with designers and let you know where all the upcoming Indigenous fashion events are happening.
Blackfulla Bookclub
Another great spot for refining your artistic side. Blackfulla Bookclub is a wealth of info on podcasts, writing opportunities, and, of course, books. Have a scroll and you’ll quickly have a whole bunch of new additions for your reading list.
Jack Latimore
The former editor of Indigenous X and NITV, Jack Latimore is one of the hardest-working and most insightful Indigenous journalists out there. He’s the current Indigenous Affairs correspondent for The Age and tirelessly brings to light the stories that matter. Absolutely worth a follow and keep an eye out for his work across the internet and in print. You can also read his take on the Jan 26 debate that he gave to us at The Latch here.
Tradingblak
A collective of Indigenous-owned businesses like Nungala Creative, they do a tonne of work to support Indigenous businesses and shed light on creatives working in fashion and design.
Related: Know Better, Do Better: The Best Aussie Podcasts to Educate Yourself on Indigenous History
Related: A Comprehensive Rundown of the Marches and Events Happening Across Australia on January 26
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